Extension Agent

Posting Number:PG190796CEPosition Number:W-00111675-1125Position Type:NC Cooperative Extension (EPS)Job City & State:Boone, NCDepartment :NCCE Watauga CountyWorking Title:Extension Agent (Assistant, Associate, or Full), 4-HAppointment:12 Month RecurringJob Type:Full-Time - PermanentFTE:1.00Essential Job Duties:Are you looking for a rewarding career that will let you give back to your community? NC State Extension extends research-based knowledge to all North Carolinians, helping them transform science into everyday solutions that improve their lives and grow our state. We are the model of excellence in non-formal, research-based education that advances agriculture, the environment, human health and well-being, youth and communities, while creating prosperity for all North Carolinians. Working for NC State Extension allows you to teach without being tied to a classroom and school bell. Check out this video on what it’s like to work for NC State Extension.No two days in Extension are ever the same, there is always something new Extension Agents are active in their communities and often need to meet the clients when and where they are available. This is not your typical desk jobThe position may be hired at the Assistant, Associate, or Full Agent level if the selected candidate meets the required qualifications.While our employees are located in NC County offices, they reap the benefits of employment at NC State University. Some of our benefits include:· Paid time off· Paid tuition· Health Insurance· Flexible Scheduling· Retirement Savings· Supplemental Benefits Programs· WolfPerksYou Belong Here At NC State, our goal is for all employees to reach their fullest potential at work. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition (https://news.hr.ncsu.edu/you-belong-here/) and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.Primary Purpose of PositionThe 4-H Extension Agent is a member of the field faculty of North Carolina State University and a professional educator. The 4-H Extension Agent has primary responsibility for planning, executing, and evaluating effective and comprehensive 4-H programs that will meet the needs of the county population and support the mission of the 4-H organization, which is to develop youth and adults working with those youth to realize their full potential, becoming effective contributing citizens through participation in research-based, non-formal, hands-on educational experiences. The 4-H Extension Agent cooperates with colleagues in North Carolina Cooperative Extension and county leaders in performing assigned responsibilities. The performance of assigned responsibilities is governed by the philosophy, objectives, policies, and procedures of North Carolina Cooperative Extension.The individual in this position will provide leadership for the total 4-H program and will be responsible for determining programming needs, planning, marketing, implementing and evaluating programs. This position will also be involved in training 4-H volunteers, supporting 4-H clubs, and providing opportunities for school based 4-H programs.Primary Function of Organizational UnitNC State Extension is the educational outreach arm of the North Carolina State University College of Agriculture & Life Sciences. NC State Extension provides research- based information, programming and technical assistance to all North Carolina citizens, addressing a wide range of issues in four programmatic areas – Agriculture & Natural Resources; Family & Consumer Sciences; Community and Rural Development, and 4-H Youth Development. Together, with its partners – North Carolina A&T State University Extension, U.S. Department of Agriculture, state and county governments, NC State Extension is able to bring a wide variety of resources to all 100 North Carolina counties and the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians.For more information about Watauga County, see: https://www.wataugacounty.org/To learn more about the NC Cooperative Extension Watauga County, go to: https://watauga/ces.ncsu.edu/Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe Extension 4-H agent will be located in Watauga County and will be responsible for directing and growing a comprehensive 4-H professional youth development program, meeting the relevant needs of youth, ages 5 through 18. These programs will engage youth in positive life-skill development activities to address issues of everyday life, enhance the community and environment where they live, and give them access to high-quality, experiential programming to build life skills.Other Work/Responsibilities:The Extension 4-H agent shall:1. Be responsible for assuring that the principles of positive youth development are being utilized across the program to help youth identify and develop their passion and life skills. This includes but is not limited to assuring that qualified adult leadership is present at each 4-H activity, meeting, and event; that appropriate curriculum is being used to enhance the educational experience; that programs are being evaluated appropriately; and that program impacts are identified and reported.2. Be responsible for forming relationships in the county that lead to recruiting, training, managing, and rewarding the volunteer leaders who will guide 4-H clubs, assist with the planning and coordination of events and activities, and generally support and promote the 4-H agent and program.3. Raise funds in support of youth participation in local, district, state and national events and activities. Fundraising in support of volunteer development and management is also expected.4. Manage a county-wide 4-H advisory council that will help identify programmatic needs, support programmatic efforts, and champion 4-H in the local community. This council should consist of county leaders who represent the business, social, and demographic metrics of the county.5. Develop a marketing/recruiting program that attracts youth and volunteers from all sectors of the county, to drive inclusivity and desired programmatic impact.6. Be responsible for program administration: maintaining accurate records, assuring that the program is in compliance with local, state, and national regulations – to include but not be limited to the NC State University Programming with Minors regulations, general financial management, and county 4-H club accounts, charters, as well as USDA-NIFA and IRS compliance.Number of Permanent Employees this Position Supervises:0Percent of Time Spent:0%Identify if the Position is Mandatory / Essential / Key:Not ApplicableWork Schedule:Monday - Friday 8:00 am- 5 pm, evenings and weekends as required.Minimum Experience/Education:One of the following educational requirements: – A Bachelor’s degree with a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 overall or a 3.0 (based on a 4.0 scale) in child or youth development or related field. The minimum GPA requirement will be waived for NCCE Program Associates with a Bachelor’s degree. – A Bachelor’s degree and the completion of at least one-half of coursework in a Master’s degree curriculum with a cumulative grade point average 3.0 or higher with at least one of the degrees in child or youth development or related field, or – Completion of a Master’s degree with at least one of the degrees in child or youth development or related field.Department Required Skills:Ability to work independently without direct supervision.Ability to work and interact with and have respect for all participants.Ability to manage time, as well as program, financial, and human resourcesComputer literacy (proficiency in MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Office).Strong oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.Ability to handle multiple demands and set priorities.Ability to travel and work after-hours and weekends as needed (may be seasonally extensive).Ability to network with community partners and agencies and maintain working relationships.Must be able to lift and carry training supplies, publications, and equipment needed for training and youth programs.Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education:Master’s degree from an accredited university in a field related to child and youth development, education or a combination of education and work that would prepare someone for this role.Experience planning programs and working across a wide variety of communities.Experience working effectively as a team member.Experience and knowledge in mass media, marketing, and presentations.Skills in leadership, citizenship, budget management, and public relations.Ability to recruit, train, and supervise volunteer leaders to extend youth programming to the broadest audience possible.Experience writing grants in support of programs.Relevant Points to Consider:This specific position will be continuing to re-establish a 4-H program in a county that was without a 4-H agent for some time. The county seeks a motivated and organized applicant who will embrace the challenges and rewards of creating a county youth program that is still developing. The most immediate interest among community constituents is building opportunities for youth in the areas of agriculture (livestock showing/judging) & trades training.4-H agents often work evening and weekend hours outside of the normal workday. To help manage the personal/professional continuum, managed & flexible scheduling is availableA key responsibility of this position is managing a broad group of volunteers across the community, many with lots of experienceThe ability to raise funds and manage finances for the overall county 4-H program and to oversee the integrity of all 4-H related accounts in the agent’s area of responsibility is important.Agents have the opportunity to provide leadership at the district, state and national levels through the North Carolina Association of 4-H Youth Development Professionals and the National Association of 4-H Youth Development Professionals.Required License or Certification:Valid driver’s license and reliable, personal transportation required. Valid NC driver’s license is required within 60 days of hire and must be maintainedValid NC Driver's License required?:YesCommercial Driver's License Required?:NoPhysical Required?:NoAnticipated Hiring Range:Minimum Bachelor's $40,000; Minimum Master's $45,000; Minimum Doctorate $50,000Internal Transfer Only:NoJob Open Date:11/10/2025Quick Link:https://jobs.ncsu.edu/postings/224559EEO:NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks as well as county-required background checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.